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Karting fever here before the Grand Prix

Go-Kart race

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office S Iswaran (right) and director and CEO of the Institute of Technical Education Bruce Poh participating in a go-kart race that was part of 2013 Rev Up Singapore! campaign.

SINGAPORE - As part of the build up to this year's Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix, which will be held along Marina Bay from Sept 19 to 21, race promoters Singapore GP Pte Ltd has added a thrilling activity for fans.

A karting training programme and championship will be introduced to give fans the experience of a sport most drivers use as the first step to a professional career in Formula 1.

Along with the various initiatives launched to generate interest and build up excitement for this year's race, The New Paper understands that the annual entertainment programme during the race weekend could feature a new venue.

The Padang and the F1 Village at the Marina Bay street circuit have provided the stage for the likes of Beyonce, Rihanna and Maroon 5 over the past six years.

Fort Canning Park has also been used as a concert venue before, and there is a chance some of this year's acts could entertain at the Gardens by the Bay or even the new National Stadium at the Sports Hub, which is set to open its doors next month.

According to Singapore GP, the entertainment line-up for 2014 will be announced soon.

The karting programme is part of the Rev Up Singapore! campaign and will be exclusively for Singaporeans and Singapore residents between 15 and 21 years old, and will feature a one-day workshop between June 11 to 14, heats (June 15) and a championship race on Aug 30.

The group will be capped at 120 and these students must have no prior karting experience. They will be selected by ballot and trained in the fundamentals of motor racing through theory and practical workshops.

These youngsters will then prove their mettle in the championship final along the Formula 1 circuit at Marina Bay in two categories: 15 to 17 years old, and 18 to 21 years old.